Looking for some new blogs to read with some fabulous content and giveaways? I have been asked to be a part of a new feature on Cool Baby Kid called “Hot Picks from Haute Mamas!” Each month, we will be bringing you some bloggy picks that you do not want to miss! Check out the July edition below:

• Britax Advocate CS with Side Impact Protection from Erin, The Mom Buzz
• Give Props to Fellow Bloggers with Blog Popz from Cecelia, Cool Baby Kid
• My New Found Love: Bamboo from Ellen, Thrifty & Chic Mom
• Chicco Liteway Stroller from Lone Star Baby and Kids from Bridgette, The Not-So-Blog
• A Challenge For Walt Disney World, Do Better! from Lee, MySentimentExactLee
• How to Deal With Mom Bloggers-Tips and Tricks for PR Reps and Companies from Victoria, Life Starring the Kids & Me
• Cutting the Cord from Sarah, The Ohana Mama
• Oreck Halo – The Must Have Vacuum   from Susan,  Life In A House Of Blue

Do you have a post you want to get noticed?  Leave a link to a great post, review or giveaway!

What Are Blog Popz?

A blog award. A blogger recognition program. A virtual representation of the lollipops you gave in school to friends and admirers. Each color represents a different recognition theme. Get popz from authorized Candy Stores, receive them from admirers, and register you pop for a chance to win fantastic prizes for distributing and receiving the most popz.

How Do I Give a Blog Pop?

Go to the store of the Pop you want to give and follow the directions on that site.

“Yours is one of my favorite blogs”
Fav! Pop Candy Store: Cool Baby Kid

“Your blog is cute”
Cute Pop Candy Store: From Dates to Diapers

“I love your blog”
Love Pop Candy Store: The Not-So-Blog Blog

“You’re a great blog friend”
Friend Pop Candy Store: The Ohana Mama

“Thanks for being a blog mentor”
Mentor Pop Candy Store: Suzy Q Homemaker

“You’re a blog star!”
Star Pop Candy Store: Life Starring the Kids & Me!

I Received a Pop. Now What?

If you are lucky enough to receive a pop, proudly display it on your site and reciprocate if you like. Don’t forget to register your pop for a chance to win prizes!

Why Should I Register My Pop?

Registering your pop is the only way to win the “Summer Solstice” prizes. Complete the short form below for each pop you give and/or receive to increase your chances of winning. The two biggest poppers (those who give the most popz) will receive first choice of prizes as well as the most popped in each category. If you receive a pop it must be displaye on your site for you to be eligible to win.

• Complete the Blog Popz Giver Form for every pop you give.
• Complete the Blog Popz Receiver Form for every pop you receive.
• Check out the standings at any time on the Blog Popz Standings and FAQ Page.

Blog Popz Summer Solstice Prizes

Prize Package #1

New Native Baby Carrier

Prima Princessa Children’s Ballet DVD

Miss Wit 80′s “Small Town Girl” Onesie

Prize Package #2

$30 Bebeclaire Jewelry Gift Certificate

Prima Princessa Children’s Ballet DVD

Kaboost Chair Booster sponsored by CityMommy

Love Pop Candy Store

The Not-So-Blog is your source of the Love Pop to give to all the blogs you love. Complete any one of the following to buy your pop…then grab the code. Once you complete ALL FIVE you can give unlimited pops without leaving more comments.

• Subscribe to The Not-So-Blog and leave me a comment telling me that you did.
• Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook and leave a comment telling me you did.
• Blog about Blog Popz (include the available prizes) and leave a comment with the link to your post.
• Follow me on Twitter and tweet this message: (I grabbed a LOVE POP @ The Not-So-Blog. Give Popz & YOU can win prizes @BridgetteLA RT PLZ)
• Share this post and leave me a comment telling me that you shared.

<a href="http://www.thenotsoblog.com/2009/03/im-a-candy-store-2/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o63/mecca2425/pop_love.png"></a>

If you have any questions or would like to donate a prize to future editions of Blog Popz contact the Baby Kids Blogs.

The *Summer Solstice* edition of Blog Popz officially launches June 21st, the first day of summer. Check back then to begin giving and receiving popz.

What are Blog Popz?

A blog award. A blogger recognition program. A virtual version of the lollipops you gave in school to friends and admirers. Each color represents a different theme. Get popz from authorized candy stores, receive them from admirers, and register your pop for a chance to win fantastic prizes for distributing and receiving the most popz.

Fav! Pop Store: Cool Baby Kid

Why should I register my pop?

Registering your pop is the only way to win *Summer Solstice* prizes. Complete the short form below for each pop you give and receive to increase your chances of winning. The two biggest poppers will receive first choice of prizes along with the most popped in each category. If you receive a pop it must be displayed on your site to be eligible to win.

• New Native Baby Carrier
• Prima Princessa Children’s Ballet DVD
• Miss Wit 80′s “Small Time Girl” Onesie

• $30 Bebeclaire Jewelry Gift Certificate
• Prima Princessa Children’s Ballet DVD
• Kaboost Chair Booster sponsored by Citymommy

Love Pop Candy Store

The Not-So-Blog is your source for the Love pop to give to all of blogs you love. Complete any one of the following to “buy” your pop (grab the code.) Once you complete all five you can give unlimited pops without leaving more comments!

Good morning, everyone! Just wanted to fill you guys in on a few things going on around here!

1. I have added a “Sponsor Testimonial” page. I wanted to share with you how several of my past sponsors have felt about working with The Not-So-Blog. Check it out!

2. Tomorrow is the last day to send the Spring Edition on Blog Popz! Honor your friends while winning prizes! Have you sent a Blog Pop today? Learn how!

3.  In May, I will be teaming up with 9 of my favorite bloggers to bring you a “Gear Up for Summer Block Party” giveaway series.  We have some great prizes such as a water table, sand box, kid’s swimming pool, women’s swimsuit, sunglasses, and toys to name a few!  If you have a summertime product you would like featured with a giveaway, email me at notsoblog at gmail dot com!

Hope everyone is having a good day (hang in there, it’s almost Friday!)

It’s time for a Blog Popz Twitter party, and we’re not fooling around! Bloggers, pops, prizes, special guests….it’ll be a blast.

Join us on April 1st from 9-10 p.m. EST to pop and be popped.

Just like popz themselves, our Blog Popz Twitter Party is about sharing sites we love, thanking blog mentors and networking with new bloggers.

Thank you to Simply Heaven Lollipop Shoppe for being the Blog Popz Twitter party sponsor!

To Participate:

1. Be sure you’re following these Blog Popz Candy Store owners on Twitter:

@coolbabykid, @ellieandeve, @ohana_mama, @BridgetteLA, @terpsichore

2. On April 1st at 9:00 p.m. EST/8:00pm CST, join us on Twitter. Use hashtag #blogpopz in your tweets to follow the conversation. We suggest using www.tweedgrid.com, www.tweetchat.com or a similar program to follow along more easily.

3. Before the party, give at least one Blog Pop to anyone you’d like. You can get detailed instructions on how to give popz, register for prizes and more at www.blogpopz.com.

4. During the Popz Twitter party prizes will be given away every 15 minutes…just follow the instructions to win.

Exciting Announcement!

A 6th Blog Pop and Candy Store will be added to Blog Popz. Vote on the right sidebar at Ask Baby Kid for which pop you’d like to see added to Blog Popz family of pops.

We’re looking forward to popping with you!

The Spring Fling Edition of Blog Popz has been launched! Cecilia from Cool Baby Kid has teamed up with the Candy Stores to give you a way to honor your favorite blogs and win fabulous prizes, too!

Make sure you visit all of the candy stores to collect your Pops to hand out to your bloggy friends. Register the Pops you give and receive to be eligible for prizes! Click here for all of the details!

What are Blog Popz?

A virtual version of the lollipops you gave in school to friends and admirers, each color represents a different theme. Get popz to give to fellow bloggers from authorized candy stores, receive them from admirers, and register your pop for a chance to win fantastic prizes for distributing and receiving the most popz.

How do I give a Blog Pop?

Go to the store of the pop you want to give and follow the directions on that site.

“Yours is one of my favorite blogs.”

Fav! Pop Store: Cool Baby Kid

“Your blog is cute.”

Cute Pop Store: From Dates to Diapers

“I love your blog.”

LThe Not-So-Blog Blog

“You’re a great blog friend.”

Friend Pop Store: Ohana Mama

“Thanks for being a blog mentor.”

Mentor Pop Store: Suzy Q Homemaker

I received a pop. Now what?

If you’re lucky enough to receive a pop, proudly display it on your site. Reciprocate if you’d like, and don’t forget to register your pop for a chance to win prizes.

Why should I register my pop?

Registering your pop is the only way to win *Spring Fling* prizes. Complete the short form below for each pop you give and receive to increase your chances of winning. The two biggest poppers will receive first choice of prizes along with the most popped in each category. If you receive a pop it must be displayed on your site to be eligible to win.

• Complete the Blog Popz Giver Form if you gave a pop.
  

• Complete the Blog Popz Receiver Form if you received a pop.
  

• Check current standings anytime on the Popz Standings & FAQ page.

Blog Popz *Spring Fling* Edition Prizes

• Bubblecakes.com Personalized Baby Blankets, $25 Gift Certificate

• Hohobbers Classic Primary Canvas folding rocking chair, Personalized with child’s name

• Clouds & Stars Starter Set & Mattress Pad, Featured in the Ultimate Baby Gift Guide

• Royal Beginnings Ultimate Baby Changing Handbag, Your choice of pattern

• Lovely Labels $25 Gift Certificate

Love Pop Candy Store

The Not-So-Blog is your source for the Love! pop to give to all of the blogs you *puffy heart*! Complete any one of the following to “buy” your pop (grab the code.) Once you complete all five you can give unlimited pops without leaving more comments!

<a href=” http://www.thenotsoblog.com/2007/01/im-candy-store.html ” mce_href=” http://www.thenotsoblog.com/2007/01/im-candy-store.html “><img src=” http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o63/mecca2425/love.png ” mce_src=” http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o63/mecca2425/love.png ” alt=” Blog Popz Blogger Recognition, find out who has the most popular blog, cute blog, your favorite blog and who are great blog friends” /></a>

1. Blog about Blog Popz including the prizes. Leave a comment below with the post link.

2. Subscribe to The Not-So-Blog and leave the comment “I’m a subscriber.”

3. Favorite me in Technorati.

4. Share this post leaving the comment “I shared” with the name of your blog.

5. Twitter about Blog Popz, ask for a RT and include “@BridgetteLA” Say “I tweeted!”

If you have any questions or would like to donate a prize for future editions, check the FAQ page or contact Baby Kid Blogs. Blog Popz *Spring Fling* would like to thank special friends, the talented Gisele Jaquenod and our new favorite site, Mom Faves.

The first edition of Blog Popz was a complete success! I had tons of fun being the “Love Pop” candy store!

Hundreds of bloggers received a sweet Valentine’s treat in the form of a Blog Pop, a virtual lollipop with messages such as “I love your blog,” or “Your blog is my favorite.” After months of popping, the blog popz winners are…

Introducing Blog Popz, the sweetest way to give props to fellow bloggers!

A virtual version of the lollipops you gave in school to friends and admirers, each color pop represents a different theme. Get popz from authorized candy stores, receive them from fellow bloggers, and register your pop which enters you to win fantastic prizes for distributing and receiving the most popz!

Do you puffy heart a certain blog? Tell them so! The Not-So-Blog is the ONLY place you can get the “Love” pop!

Want to “Pop” a fellow blogger with the Love Pop?

1. Complete any one of the following tasks. One task=one pop. Want more pops? Complete more tasks! Once you have completed all five tasks, you may take as many pops as you like!

• Blog about Blog Popz.
• Add the Blog Popz widget below to your blog.
  
• Subscribe to my site via RSS or email and leave a comment saying “I’m a subscriber.”
• Follow my blog.
• Share this post (Technorati, Facebook, Twitter, Stumble, etc).

2. Leave a comment in THIS POST telling me which task you completed and who you are giving your pop to!

3. Give the Pop to the blogs that you Love!

• Send them the direct link via email or….
• Grab the widget code buy clicking in the “Share” button on the lower right corner. You can display the Pop on your blog for your friends to pick up from you!

4. Register your Pop! Did you know that buy giving your friends a Pop, YOU can win prizes? Register any Pop you GIVE or RECEIVE below:

REGISTER YOUR BLOG POPZ HERE

On Valentine’s Day, the person who gives the most Popz (“Biggest Popper”) and the person who collects the most Popz in each category will win one of these fabulous prizes:

• Red Thread Confections Gift Certificate
• Tees for Change: Live Passionately Long Sleeve Tee AND MomWorks, Inc. Red Bundle with Long Sleeve Tee and Cinch Sack
• Doodlebugs Dezigns $25 gift certificate
• Complete Zutano outfits (boy or girl) from the Baby Basics line ($150 value)
• Bubblecakes Baby $45 gift certificate
• Grand Prize: Corky and Company Coats at Kidscoats.com ($250 shopping spree!)

Want to give even more Blog Popz? You can find them at the following blogs:

• Favorite Pop at Cool Baby Kid
• Friend Pop at Ohana Mama
• Mentor Pop at Suzy Q Homemaker
• Cute Pop at From Dates to Diapers

Want to see who’s in the lead? Check out the FAQ page at Cool Baby Kid!

Want to donate a prize for future rounds of Blog Popz? Contact Cool Baby Kid.

Have fun and get to Poppin’!

Ok, I don’t normally do this, but I was sitting here brainstorming about possible new projects for the blog and I started reflecting on how far this little “not-so-blog” has come. If you’ve always wanted to know how I got started (and you KNOW you do), you can read my first post here.

I decided to jot down some accomplishments and share my excitement over a few little blogging victories:

Since I started blogging just 6 short months ago, I have managed to make lots of new friends (and even meet a few in person, Hi Susan!), experience lots of new products (have you seen the amazing items at Sugarhouse Ink and Lemonhead Kidz?), learn quite a bit about HTML (although my site design is credited to Lauren), become a partner at a wonderful online blogging community, earn the respect of several PR contacts (just finished my most popular giveaways yet, thanks to Little Debbie and Little MissMatched), be a guest writer for 3 blogs (I was Working Mommy of the Week!), earn the title of “Biggest Dork” (thanks MomDot, I think), become a reviewer for Family Review Network and MomDot Reviews, created a fun weight loss Meme entitled “Think Thin Thursdays“, helped Cecilia over at Cool Baby Kid to create Blog Popz, and am now heading up the Street Team for a great charity project called Bloggers Give.

I am also excited to report that my readership is growing! My first month blogging, I had only 600 visitors and now in January 2009, I am on target to top 6,000 unique visitors this month alone! Wow! And another thing I am excited about is that my Technorati ranking has improved from 2,000,000 to 29,547! That’s a huge jump!

And the kicker: I did all of this while holding a full time job, raising two kids, and achieving world peace (well, ok, maybe I’m getting carried away, LOL!).

For the most part, I have learned how to build this blog on my own. I have had lots of help from my MomDot friends, but I have never been able to attend any formal lectures or training. I was supposed to go to the BlogHer conference in New Orleans, but it was cancelled (what’s up with that?). I was heartbroken. Really.

So, now BlogHer ’09 will be in Chicago this July and I am itching to attend! I want to learn from all of my fellow blogging “celebrities” just how to take The Not-So-Blog to the next level. The problem? I need a sponsor (or two or three).

To all of the companies I have worked with in the past or those that are looking to get their product noticed: USE ME! I could be your personal walking billboard at BlogHer ’09! I am looking for either a full or partial sponsorship (heck, even if you want to buy me some chicken nuggets while I am there….anybody from McDonald’s reading this?) please contact me at:

I would love to talk with you and generate ideas on how I can help promote your product while learning from the best at BlogHer ’09. I would be happy to email you a prospectus.

Toot! Toot! Personal victory dance here. LOL!